Breadcrumb

Family Leave

Everyone knows—family comes first. Whether it’s for that newborn you swear already smiles, your elderly mom or your spouse nursing an injury, being there and providing for family isn’t negotiable. And sometimes your most important job is being at home with family.

That’s why the Family and Medical Leave Act, known as FMLA, which allows working people who are eligible to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for family, is an important first step towards a better work/life balance.

What is the FMLA?

Eligible working people can take unpaid leave while their job is protected for specified family and medical reasons and keep health coverage.

Am I Eligible for FMLA Leave?

The FMLA applies to all private-sector employers with 50 or more working people and to all public agencies—state, local and federal.

To be eligible for leave under the act, you must have worked for the same covered employer for a total of 12 months and must also have worked for a total of 1,250 hours or more in the previous 12 months. You also must work at a location in the United States or in any territory or possession of the United States where at least 50 employees are employed by the employer within 75 miles.

Who Can Take FMLA Leave?

You may take leave for the birth and care of a newborn; for adoption or foster care of a child; to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child or parent) with a serious health condition; or for your own serious health condition. If you qualify for FMLA, your employer cannot fire you for taking leave.

Why FMLA Isn't Good Enough

While the FMLA is an important step forward, 40% of people are not eligible for FMLA. They either work for an employer with 50 or fewer employees, didn’t work enough hours or simply can’t afford to go without pay for 12 weeks.

Even for two-income families 12 weeks without pay for the birth of a new child or an adoption or caring for a sick family member could make it impossible to pay the bills.

That’s why we support an expanded, paid FMLA for all working people.

What Could Make FMLA Better for Working People?

Congress should build upon the FMLA to expand the number of covered working people, address more family need, and create a paid family and medical leave insurance program.

It should also pass legislation to guarantee working people paid time to get routine medical care, recover from short-term illnesses and care for a sick family member.